What is the best boat tour in Amsterdam? Prices of the canal cruises go from around €15,- up to €120,-, depending on the duration and beverages included in the tours. Check out our recommendations and reviews below, or go directly to;
You can’t leave Amsterdam without going on a canal cruise, as Amsterdam is best seen from the water!
Amsterdam is known for its many canals and bridges. The city centre is practically a network of canals, along which you’ll find Amsterdam’s monumental 17th-century canal houses. This historical area is referred to as “Grachtengordel” which would be best translated as “Canal Ring or Canal Belt“. The unique architecture comes alive while viewed from the water and will leave a great impression. People often state that Amsterdam is best seen from the water. Find out whether that’s true by going on an Amsterdam boat tour yourself! We’ve compiled a selection of what we believe to be the best boat tours in Amsterdam. We’re sure you’ll find a cruise that suits your needs within this selection. Best of all, there’s often a discount when booking online! Are you travelling with a group or looking for a more intimate experience? Consider booking a private canal cruise! Most boat tours in Amsterdam offer guided tours and cover the city’s main highlights and main Amsterdam’s attractions.
During the cold winter months, the canals of Amsterdam become the stage for international artists who create light sculptures blended into the typical Amsterdam landscape. This year will be the 13th edition of this annual event. You can visit this year’s edition from the 28th of November 2024, till the 19th of January 2024 This year’s theme is “Rituals” meaning that the artists have had their artworks inspired by rituals from cultures across the globe. As always, the illuminated artworks can be admired during a walking tour or you can book a Light Festival Boat Tour for the most optimal experience!
We tested all the canal cruises listed here. This enables us to provide authentic reviews and the best advice based on our firsthand experiences in Amsterdam.
We have selected cruises for all weather conditions because the weather in the Netherlands is quite unpredictable. This ensures that you always have the best option for your day!
Personal support is available on all the listed canal cruises. We work with some of Amsterdam’s most renowned boat companies. You can contact them via email, WhatsApp, phone, or by visiting their physical stores.
The classical canal boat tour is always a good choice! These comfortable canal boats with glass ceilings and windows allow you to view the architectural highlights Amsterdam has to offer. In fall and winter, these boats provide you with cover against the weather so you can enjoy the city without feeling cold or wet. The standard canal cruises are offered both day and night. What is the best canal tour for you is up to you to decide. Obviously, you’ll see more during the day and have better opportunities to take good pictures. However, if you are visiting Amsterdam with the love of your life, there’s nothing as romantic as cruising the canals at night! The boats depart from multiple locations throughout the city every 20 to 30 minutes. There are audio guides available in several languages. Check out our following recommendations for the classic canal cruise;
The standard 1-hour canal cruise includes a free GPS-based audioguide available in 19 languages.
Read our full Lovers 1-hour cruise review >>
Discount available?
Use our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% off
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Anne Frank House
Leidseplein
Rijksmuseum
Stromma’s 100 Highlights cruise offers comfort, comprehensive sightseeing and insightful commentary.
Read our full Stromma 100 highlights cruise review >>
Discount available?
Use our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO20’ and get 20% off
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Damrak
Rijksmuseum
Although the classical canal tour boats in Amsterdam are comfy, they do feel a bit commercial. Therefore, nowadays, open boat tours have become increasingly popular. The open boats allow you to experience the city and shoot some of the most amazing pictures. Most of the open boats can (partially) be covered in case of rain. With colder temperatures, blankets are available to keep you warm and comfortable. The majority of the open boats are electrified, ensuring a noise and fume-free experience on the water.
Enjoy a complimentary drink during this one-hour canal cruise by Eco Boats.
Read our full Eco Boats 1-hour cruise review >>
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Departure between
11:30-17:30
Embark on this 60-minute semi-open boat tour with the necessary cover, if needed!
Discount available?
Use our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% off
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Departure between
11:00-17:30
During this open boat tour, you’ll explore the smallest canals, where standard canal boats cannot go.
Read our full Stromma Open Boat review >>
Discount available?
Use our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO20’ and get 20% off
Departure from
Damrak (Amsterdam Central Station)
Rijksmuseum
Leidseplein
Departure between
10:30 – 18:30
Set sail on the modern, comfortable open boats from Flagship. The captain and hostess are waiting for you!
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Rijksmuseum⤴
Amsterdam Central Station
Anne Frank House⤴
Departure between
10:00 – 19:30
The Hop-on-Hop-off boat tour is the most flexible canal cruise in Amsterdam. It allows you to see the city at your own pace. The boat tour takes you on a ride throughout the city. The canal boat stops at 7 different stops and you can get off at any point. You’ll find Amsterdam Central Station, Rijksmuseum, the Albert Cuyp market, Anne Frank House, Gassan Diamonds and the Hermitage Museum among the seven stops. Feel free to get off at any point you like. Your ticket is valid for a full 24 hours between 9:15 and 19:00 and boats are stopping every 25 minutes or so. Between the stops, you’ll have plenty of time to visit one of the museums or do some shopping. When you’re ready to go back to finish the cruise, no reservation is required; just hop on and hop off as much as you like.
The Hop on-Hop off cruises can also be booked for 48 hours and combined with a bus tour. For more information and prices, visit the following page on all available hop-on-hop-off tours. Also, check out our full Hop-on-Hop-off cruise review here.
– Order your tickets with our exclusive Tours-tickets.com discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% extra off –
Enjoy Amsterdam from a boat while sipping on your favourite drinks! The following selection of cruises have the drinks included in the price. From a wine tasting to an open bar booze cruise, we have something in store for everyone!
Enjoy an open bar on the canals during this 60-minute cruise in a small open boat.
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Rembrandt Plein
Red Light District⤴
Departure between
11:45 & 20:00
This 60-minute boozy cruise by Friendship includes Dutch Cheese and several types of drinks, including beers, wines, or a cocktail.
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Red Light District
Departure between
11:00 – 21:00
Enjoy Amsterdam from a boat while sipping on your favourite drinks! The following selection of cruises have one or more drinks included. From a complimentary drink to a wine tasting or an open bar booze cruise, we have something in store for everyone!
Enjoy a tasting of various wines and cheese during this 90-minute cruise in a classical canal boat.
Read our full Lovers Wine & Cheese Cruise review >>
Discount available?
Use our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% off
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Departure at
17:00 & 20:00
During this 75-minute cruise by Stromma Canal Tours, enjoy cheese and wine as you sail past the most beautiful sights Amsterdam has to offer.
Discount available?
Use our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO20’ and get 20% off
Departure from
Damrak (near Amsterdam Central Station)
Departure at
20:15
Step aboard this luxury, historic saloon boat to enjoy a 60-minute cruise catered with cheese and wine (beer or soda also included).
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Anne Frank House⤴
Departure between
10:15 & 21:15
This 60-minute boozy cruise by Friendship includes Dutch Cheese and several types of drinks, including beers, wines, or a cocktail.
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Red Light District
Departure between
11:00 – 21:00
Combine a meal with one of the best activities in Amsterdam! Combine your canal cruise with a meal on the water. There are options for some wine and bites, as well as a complete meal such as pizza or a full three-course meal! Make sure not to miss out on the following options;
Step aboard the comfortable classic canal boat to embark on a 2-hour evening canal cruise while enjoying a full 4-course dinner.
Read our full Lovers Dinner Cruise review >>
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Departure at
19:30
Step aboard this historic vessel and enjoy a 3-hour cruise with a private table with complimentary aperitif and amuse.
Read our full Luxury dinner cruise review here >>
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Waterloo plein (town hall)
Departure between
18:30
The pizza cruise is a perfect alternative if you want a canal cruise in the evening but the dinner cruise is over your budget. During this 90-minute cruise, you’ll cover the city’s historical and newer parts while enjoying a pizza of choice with a beer or a soda. The beverages are included in the price, so you’ll save money that you don’t have to spend on dinner, and you can tick off a must-do in Amsterdam! Enjoy a boat tour in Amsterdam while eating pizza. Do we need to say more? Check out the following offers on pizza cruises;
Discover Amsterdam while enjoying a Pizza from New York Pizza and complimentary drinks and ice cream dessert.
Read our full Lovers New York Pizza Cruise review >>
Discount available?
No
Departure from
Amsterdam Central Station
Departure at
18:00 & 18:30
Enjoy freshly made pizza and complimentary drinks during this 90-minute cruise with live guide by Stromma Canal Tours.
Discount available?
Use our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO20’ and get 20% off
Departure from
Damrak (near Amsterdam Central Station)
Departure at
17:45
Are you looking for a strong traditional Dutch meal that includes an Amsterdam boat tour? Look no further! “De Pannenkoekenboot” or pancake boat is the best Amsterdam canal tour for you! The boat tour will take you on a cruise over the IJ River while you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat traditional Dutch dish. The Dutch pancakes are served with toppings of choice, including syrup, fruit, chocolate, marmalade, and savoury toppings such as bacon, Dutch cheese, and more! The boat departs from the northern part of Amsterdam, which can easily be reached by the free ferry (NDSM F4), which departs every 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. The all-you-can-eat concept is a strongly recommended feast for both adults and kids! Halfway through the cruise, there will be a special surprise for the kids as the hatch of the hidden ball pit opens, and they can slide right in to have some fun! However, please bear in mind that, due to the size of this ship, you will not sail on the iconic Amsterdam canals.
Looking for some playful fun out on the Amsterdam canals? Don’t miss out on the canal bike rentals! Become the captain of your very own pedal boat and cycle your way through the water. The canal bikes are a cool way to cruise the canals of Amsterdam. This is also a fun thing to do with kids in Amsterdam. Remember that you won’t see as much of the city as with any boat, as keeping the bike moving on the water takes a lot of energy. The canal bikes will offer you a good workout and a great time, especially when it is sunny outside. There are multiple rental points throughout the city, which are part of Stromma Canal Tours.
Amsterdam is widely known for the legalisation of marihuana, which you can buy at one of the many coffeeshops in Amsterdam. This boat trip is for those who want to enjoy the pleasure of smoking some on the water. During this 1-hour canal cruise, you can watch Amsterdam drift by while enjoying your smoke. However, make sure to bring your own, as marijuana can only be sold at coffeeshops and not aboard the boat. Since smoking pot can make you thirsty, the cruise includes two drinks of choice. Expect a relaxed boat tour with some like-minded people and some relaxing music. Please note that this boat is not a party boat and doesn’t allow intoxicated people aboard.
Do you want to relax, eat and drink on board a 100-year-old traditional Dutch boat while listening to all kinds of stories about Rembrandt? Do you want to discover the Amsterdam canals in privacy and learn about her history? Book this private tour from skipper Rock That Boat. This private boat tour includes drinks like wine, beer, tea or coffee and has room for ten passengers. So this tour is perfect for a small group of friends or a family. The duration of this private Amsterdam boat tour is 1,5 hours, and reservations are a must, as availability is limited.
In the front seat of the Lovers canal cruise. Our captain loved to tell us some (fun) facts about Amsterdam.
The answer is yes! Amsterdam is well known for its historical canals. Going on a boat trip allows you to explore and feel part of the city. As you cruise the canals, you will see many of Amsterdam’s highlights. We even dare to state that your trip isn’t complete if you haven’t been on a canal cruise. It is part of the Amsterdam journey.
The duration of a boat trip through Amsterdam depends on the one you choose. The duration of a boat trip differs from 60 minutes to 90 minutes or more. If you are happy to go on a classical cruise, you will cruise the water for one hour. Fancy a dinner and a drink and watch the sunset? The duration of the canal tour is 3 hours.
There are many different canal cruises in Amsterdam, so it is hard to give you just one price. Prices of the canal cruises go from around €15,- up to €120,- or more, depending on the duration of the boat tour and beverages included in the boat tours.
We advise you to take a look at the many different canal cruises Amsterdam has to offer. Ask yourself the following questions: Would I like to have a good view in broad daylight, or would I prefer a more romantic cruise in the evening? How long do I want to be on the water? Would I want to see the city, enjoy some bites, or even dinner on the water? Do you want to share a canal boat and meet new people or just want to be with your loved ones? Look at your preferences and budget and choose the canal cruise that fits you most.
There is no such thing as the best canal cruise in Amsterdam. There are so many options, depending on your preference and budget. We advise you to go on a canal cruise if you can. A canal cruise in Amsterdam is the perfect way to explore and feel part of the most beautiful part of the city!
Not all boats on this page have a toilet on board. Specifically, the smaller vessels are not always fitted with a toilet. If you want to be sure that there’s a toilet on board, we recommend booking one of the Lovers cruises that feature drinks or food, as these cruises are guaranteed to have a toilet on board.
Obviously, the canal cruises are a big thing in Amsterdam. But as Amsterdam is expensive already, the price of canal tours in Amsterdam can be expensive for some. So for those who are looking for a cheap canal cruise check out the complete list of canal cruises and available discounts below. The best discounts and cheap canal cruises are often found in a combination ticket with a museum or excursion included. Choose wisely and have the best canal cruise Amsterdam price!
| Cruise / tour | Price | Discount |
| Classic canal cruise: Leidsekade | € 15,50 | € 4,50 |
| Hop-on-Hop-off bus & boat 24h | € 27,50 | € 2,50 |
| Royal Palace + canal cruise | € 31,00 | € 3,10 |
| Rijksmuseum & canal cruise | € 36,- | € 6,50 |
| Xtracold Ice bar + canal cruise | € 37,00 | € 9,50 |
* The prices listed above are subject to change and for indicative purposes only
Do you want to be completely free and decide yourself which canals to cruise, have a picnic, drink or stay on the canals for hours? Then there’s the option to hire a small electric boat and sail it yourself. This might very well be the coolest way to explore the waterways of Amsterdam! Especially when you’re with a group of people renting a boat in Amsterdam is a fun and cheap alternative for canal cruises with a classical canal boat. There are multiple companies that rent out small electric boats that you can sail yourself. They are easy to sail and the electric propulsion provides a smooth, comfortable cruise over the Amsterdam canals. So put your captain hat on and start your own adventure. An electric rental boat will cost you somewhere around €30,- per hour. A boat carries up to 6 people so that’s only €5,- per person when fully loaded. Sounds like a heck of a deal as a cheap canal tour!
